Southeast Polk staff, students will gather to process death of student

Southeast Polk students and staff plan to gather tonight to talk through their thoughts and feelings regarding 16-year-old A.J. Betts, who tried to kill himself Friday night.

As of noon today, Betts, of Pleasant Hill, was on life support to repair damaged organs for donation. His mother Sheryl Moore said candidates have been selected to receive his liver and kidneys and doctors plan to take Betts off life support today.

A 7:30 p.m. gathering near the vocal music room in SEP High School will include guidance counselors, mental health therapists and district administrators. Someone from the employee/family assistance may also be available, High School Principal Steve Pettit said.

Part of the meeting will focus on why suicide should never be the answer for any challenging situation in life, according to district officials. Staff said they want students to always inform an adult when a student is suffering.

Moore said she believes bullying contributed to her son’s decision to take his own life.